Since some of the members here travel to the Amazon I thought Id share what I discovered today. If you already know it ignore the thread.
I cut some mahogany this morning to make a wand for my 8 year old who is a Harry Potter fan.
The good news is that there is no need to kill the tree as young shoots are often found around the base
After I cut the branch off I wondered if it might make reasonable cordage.
It peeled easily coming off in a whole strip and good news is that it does not break when you reach the stalk - branch junction.
There are a few layers to separate if you want fine cordage but if you need it quick there is no need to remove the bark
I did a quick peel and twist using both rough and semi- fine strips.
Another way to ID the tree is to look for sky fruit natures cluster bombs. In the Amazon you wont see the entire fruit unless you climb the canopy but the boat shaped outer parts are found on the ground
I'll make a long piece and see how it goes as bow drill cordage one day.
I cut some mahogany this morning to make a wand for my 8 year old who is a Harry Potter fan.
The good news is that there is no need to kill the tree as young shoots are often found around the base
After I cut the branch off I wondered if it might make reasonable cordage.
It peeled easily coming off in a whole strip and good news is that it does not break when you reach the stalk - branch junction.
There are a few layers to separate if you want fine cordage but if you need it quick there is no need to remove the bark
I did a quick peel and twist using both rough and semi- fine strips.
Another way to ID the tree is to look for sky fruit natures cluster bombs. In the Amazon you wont see the entire fruit unless you climb the canopy but the boat shaped outer parts are found on the ground
I'll make a long piece and see how it goes as bow drill cordage one day.
